A troubled drug dealer wept as the courts decided his fate after police raided his home.
Liam John Moseley, 26, cried out in the dock as he learned he would start a two-year immediate prison sentence.
He was jailed at Teesside Crown Court today despite pleas to make him an exceptional case.
Police went to his home on Conifer Close, Ormesby, Middlesbrough when no one was home.
He was arrested and searched when he arrived home during the raid on the morning of July 12 last year.
Officers found bags and a tub containing cocaine, cannabis and mephedrone, known as MCAT, in the one-bedroom ground floor flat.
Prosecutor Rachel Masters said they also discovered digital scales, three grinders and what they believed to be two “tick lists”.
Incriminating text messages referring to drugs supply were found on his phone.
Moseley, of Fulbeck Road, Netherfields, Middlesbrough, admitted possession of cannabis and mephedrone - both Class B drugs - with intent to supply, possession of cocaine and being concerned in the supply of that Class A drug.
He had no previous convictions and was in tears all the way through his sentencing hearing.
“Mr Moseley is clearly distressed as he sits in court,” said Robert Mochrie, defending.
“That’s not for your Honour’s benefit. They are not crocodile tears.
“He is a man who has never been before the court before and a man who quite frankly is terrified at the prospect of going to prison today.”
Mr Mochrie added: “He is a habitual user of drugs.
“He found himself in debt. He would effectively act as a conduit for supply.”
He accepted people involved in Class A drugs supply should ordinarily go to prison, but said Moseley could be given an exceptional suspended sentence.
He told how Moseley used drugs regularly for years since he was introduced to cannabis at 13, and his drug use affected his emotional well-being.
Moseley had “a troubled number of years”, suffered personal problems and used drink and drugs to cope with his feelings.
Mr Mochrie said: “He has everything going for him, save for this.
“He has an exceptional work ethic and has always worked.
“For the last six years he has been in full-time employment caring for people and doing his job exceptionally well.
“He received around £1,200 per month for doing that job. £1,200 doesn’t go a long way if you have an addiction to cannabis and cocaine.
“It was only a matter of time before he found himself in debt, as is often the case.”
He said Moseley’s arrest was “a massive wake-up call” and he suffered significant mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
The prosecution did not accept Moseley’s account and put him at the level of a street dealer.
Ms Masters said it went beyond supplying only to family or friends simply to pay off a debt.
Judge George Moorhouse said Moseley was a dealer who played a “significant role” and the very serious offences justified a prison sentence.
He jailed Moseley for two years.
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